Remembering November

Before we leapfrog into December, I want to linger a moment and give our November holidays their due.

Last weekend the Olathe Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored local veterans with a luncheon as we do every year on Veterans’ Day. November 11, 1918, was the first anniversary of the end of WWI and President Wilson declared it Armistice Day. President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954. I can’t quote numbers, but roughly 1% of our population serves to protect the other 99%. “Never have so many owed so much to so few,” seems an appropriate quote from Winston Churchill.

Thanksgiving is two weeks away. As we pause to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives, we also are mindful of those in need. A few years ago I spoke of Mission Southside here in Olathe, one of eight local missions our church supports. Friday mornings we gather to package food donated from local businesses, the school district, etc. that is then distributed to local families in need. If you have the time or the means to contribute where you live, don’t hesitate. It’s appreciated.

One final thought–last month I attended a Naturalization Ceremony, something I’ve always wanted to do. It was held outdoors at Legends Field in north Kansas City where the audience watched 90 new citizens from 35 countries pledge allegiance to the United States, their new country. The naturalization process varies but takes approximately 14 months after a person has resided in the US 3-5 years and costs about $725. Logistics prevented me from visiting with the new citizens after the ceremony, but someday I would love to hear their stories and personally welcome them into our shared citizenship.

“Come ye thankful people come; raise the song of harvest home.”

Blessings to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving.